A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, COURTNEY ALBERT
GWTF has had a robust start to 2024 with multiple trainings, direct survivor support and a productive board meeting to set the tone and plan for the year ahead. We are proud that GWTF has the agility and flexibility to respond to survivors’ unique needs and to provide support in varying ways and for differing periods of time that can truly make a difference. It’s hard to believe that Spring is her. We have much to be proud of and are excited for upcoming conferences and opportunities to show leadership in the field of anti-trafficking work. If you have not already, check out our redesigned website, it was great to work with C+C Branding again, and we are very happy with it: givewaytofreedom.org
RAPID RESPONSE SUPPORT SYSTEM (RRSS)
In the first quarter of 2024, our RRSS supported a family that was being victimized in a labor trafficking situation. Due to the particular circumstances, we provided temporary shelter for them well beyond our usual 72-hour period. This longer-term stay gave the family the stability they needed to self-advocate, receive wrap-around services with the assistance of Vermont’s Case Manager Coordinator, and engage with law enforcement. They were able to make the choices that were right for them, and they are doing extremely well in their own housing; the adults have new employment, and the minor is enrolled in school.
Champlain College Senior Capstone Project
Edith mentored Jada Biggs for her Bachelor’s in Social Work Senior Capstone project this winter. Her final presentation and event were on March 29th from 12-3pm on campus and were attended by 30 campus community members. It opened with welcoming remarks and some introduction to human trafficking from Sabra Boyd, an independent writer & consultant with lived experience of human trafficking. We then screened the survivor-vetted documentary California’s Forgotten Children and had a panel discussion with Edith, Katie G., and Jada. We wrapped up with a Red Sand Project participatory art installation on campus. It was a huge success, she was proud of it, and she is glad it went as well as it did.
PROJECT UPDATES
Trainings
For St. Michael’s College and their UPLIFT group, Edith led a Conversation and Reflection about human trafficking in early February. She was joined by Catherine Ducasse, Assistant Director at HopeWorks and Sister Patricia McKittrick from UVM Community Health and our UNITE workgroup based in the UVM Clinical Simulation Laboratory. It was an interactive afternoon of lively discussion followed by a Red Sand Project art installation on campus. Courtney facilitated an hour and a half awareness workshop on human trafficking and its intersection with intimate partner violence at Saving our Tomorrow’s Collaborative Workshop: Awareness on Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence. This event was held at The Trolley Barn in Poughkeepsie NY on March 28th. She also participated in the panel discussion that followed. Attendees of the workshop came from Dutchess, Orange, Westchester, and Putnam Counties in New York. In February Edith presented an hour awareness session and discussion at the Vermont Association of Insurance Professionals (VTAIP) quarterly dinner. The group was very interested in the issue and how they may help. This opportunity came about because last year, Portland Glass, a northeast windshield repair company, donated glass and repair work for a victimized family. They wanted to raise awareness that human trafficking happens in Vermont, and learn that even in their business roles, there are ways to mitigate potential trafficking and provide assistance to victims. Partnership with Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition Our work with the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition (BAATC) continues to thrive as we make more headway into helping even more private business sectors address the issue. Along with Erin Albright from New Frameworks, Edith presented a practical session at the Northeast Chapter of American Association of Airport Executives entitled “Human Trafficking, now what?” to inform on human trafficking, guide airports’ protocol development,create non-sensationalized and accurate signage, and train airport personal on the basics and the response protocol. We have also worked with Meeting Professionals International and are making some progress with individual airports across the United States. The Freedom Network
Edith wrapped up her second two year tenure on the Steering Committee. She is looking forward to attending the conference in Salt Lake City in April, Beyond the Fundamentals, a specialized approach to anti-trafficking work, to continue learning, network and connect with long-standing colleagues.
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